NBA commissioner Stern to retire in 2014

National Basketball Association (NBA) commissioner David Stern will stand down from his role in February 2014, after 30 years at the helm, the league said on Friday (AEST).

Glen Taylor, chairman of the NBA's board of governors, told a news conference the board had authorized negotiations with deputy commissioner Adam Silver to succeed Stern, who is the league's longest-serving commissioner.

Stern, 70, has presided over a period of expansion and growth for the NBA, both domestically and internationally, and last year concluded a new collective bargaining agreement with players after a five-month lockout.

"I feel great, I am enjoying my job but I am looking forward to doing other things," Stern said during a news conference in New York.

"I'm standing down not retiring. I told them that it's been a great run, it will continue for another 15 months, that the league is in terrific condition."

Stern's departure date will mark the 30th anniversary of his takeover as commissioner from Larry O'Brien.